Do any of you guys know how to get in touch with "Doc" Watson??? Is he still around?? Alive?? o No: I am doing research on some Hurst cars that may/or may not have been built by Hurst in 1969.
Frank, I know he is alive, but as far as contacting him... I can get your information to someone who is in contact with him, but who knows where that will lead. I will try to pm you tonight with his mailing address. (Come on Frank, you ask a question about Hurst and you expect me not to answer!) :moonu:
Not A 442..... Sorry Rusty, it's not about an Oldsmobile!! I'm doing research :Smarty: regarding the production of the 1969 GTS "M" code with the 440. Conflicting stories abound about the assembly process. From the evidence I have gathered it leads me to believe they were built on the regular line. NOT shipped to Hurst minus 383/727 and then had Hurst install the 440/727. They built over 1000 cars with the GTS and 440 'Cuda combined. Yet no documentation indicating where they were exactly built at. However, I do have a Hurst Performance book that lists the production numbers of the cars they built. No mention of the 1969 440 GTS/Cuda at all. But too many 440 GTS owners have contacted me SWEARING that they were all built by Hurst. I think they are just clinging to foggy memories and hear-say that is 37 years old. Doc Watson's name was given to me as a possible "lead" for the facts as he was involved with Hurst Campbell during that era. Another buddy is trying to contact Jim Wangers as he too was involved with Hurst at that time. no response yet from Wangers or his people so far.
Hurst also had a hand in putting the finishing touches on the last 50 '70 Yenko "Deuce" Novas... -------------------------------- Hillbilly Racing Team Tired of Autozone's limited selection? Try the Pottery Barn!
I remember in 88 when he started doing Hurst conversions on Cutlass's there was a magazine article about them. They printed an address and telephone number for his company. I called for some info and guess who picked up the phone? I could'nt believe it either. I think his real first name is "Jason". Jack was a nickname. I believe he still lives in Michigan if its any help.
The same situation existed for Oldsmobile. For years, the official story was that the 455s were installed in the '68 and '69 Hurst/Olds by Demmer (sp?) Engineering, because Olds was not allowed (by GM ) to put anything bigger than a 400 in them. About 5 years ago I was standing within 10 feet of Doc Watson at an Olds Homecoming meet when he definitively stated what had been rumored for years: the 455s were installed in the Hurst/Olds at Olds final assembly. Demmer added all the extra equipment and cool paint, but they didn't yank any engines. Does anyone really believe that there were any GM-corporate big-wigs smart enough to recognize a 455 vs. 400 between the fenders of a 442 as it went down the line in Lansing?
Brian, In a word, yes! Unless they were color blind, those RED 455's were kind of easy to recognize in an 'A' body chassis. Frank, I spoke with my contact and they said for me to give you the address that I have. If you do not get a response, I will give them your contact information and you should get a call! :TU:
The Smothers Brothers tried to pass of a big block as a small block W31 350 at the IHRA Nats, so it's not too big of a stretch to think it'd be difficult to tell a G block 400 from an F block 455. E block (65-67 400's) are VERY easy to pass off as F blocks with a little grinding on the casting code, but the part number is a little more difficult. Legally they could have put those in that car (400 cubes) but engine plant had converted to 455's. :bglasses: This was one of the real Smothers brothers cars (yellow and red ones), not the Berejik, Chesrown or other "dealer" sponsored factory race cars that said Smothers Brothers on the quarter panels. They got caught and thrown out. I was fortunate enough to be the Olds Assembly Engineering coordinator for the 68 and 69 Hursts. Only got over to Demmer a coupla times, though. Also did the Rallye 350, Indy Pace Car conv in 70, and set up the 72 Hurst process inside Olds. Changed responsibilities before the 72's went into production. 68's were the most fun. Rusty: All the 455's were red back then and when you saw another one coming at you every 38 seconds (at 96-98 cars/hour), they all looked alike....88's, 98's, etc. It was only when the operators got to the car and had the wrong parts in their hand did they notice they screwed up and checked the build sheets like they were supposed to in the first place. Half were on dope, rest were either drunk, or trying to get into the pants of the gal across the line. :laugh: :laugh: Lots of workers at that time had just returned from Nam, or were waiting to get drafted to go to Nam. Engineers, too. o No:
RUSTY: Thanks for the contact info!! I'll be composing the letter to the "Doc" this weekend!!! :Comp:
